Saplings Afterschool Club Limited

Inspection of Saplings Afterschool Club Limited Torridon Road Childrens Centre, Lewisham Arts & Libraries, Torridon Road Library, London, Lewisham SE6 1RQ

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This provision meets requirements

The club offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected. Children attend from two local schools and are happy and eager to be at the club. Children are aware of the routine, and immediately settle into various activities on arrival that have been set out in the indoor environment. Staff have high expectations and are positive role models. Children form strong bonds with staff, and are self-assured and confident. They engage in art and craft activities, which promote their imaginative and creative skills.

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This provision meets requirements

Children benefit from appropriate praise that promotes their self-confidence and gives them a strong sense of belonging. Children know their efforts are valued when their artwork is displayed. Children engage in cooperative play, and enjoy sharing and taking turns. They are skilful communicators and use a wide range of vocabulary to express their interests and experiences. However, sometimes, children become overexcited and the environment becomes noisy. This distracts children who are engaged in their own quiet activities. The majority of the children are older, and are caring and considerate to the younger children. Overall, children are well behaved and treat one another with kindness and respect.

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need to do better?

n Children enjoy chatting with their friends and staff about their busy day at school. Staff teach children good road safety routines, equipping them with lifelong skills for their future. For instance, children are aware of the importance of holding hands when walking to the club from school, and paying attention to road signs. Children demonstrate good listening skills and follow instructions well. n Staff have good knowledge of children's individual needs and interests, and this is reflected in the organisation of the well-resourced environment. Children enjoy reading books with their friends in the cosy book corner. They handle books carefully, and are able to share and take turns. Children are sociable and build strong friendships. n Staff promote inclusiveness and diversity. They understand the differing needs of children, including those who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They liaise with

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need to do better?

the local authority adviser and other professionals to coordinate support for those children with SEND. n Staff are aware of any allergies or dietary requirements to ensure children's needs are met. They provide children with homemade, nutritious meals. Sometimes, children actively participate in preparing their own meals. For example, children made their own pitta sandwiches, using a wide range of

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need to do better?

10 January 2020 healthy fillings. Although children are given healthy meals and snacks, staff do not routinely prioritise children's learning about the importance of healthy eating and its impact on their bodies. n Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise. Staff frequently take children on outings to local places of interest, such as the fire station, the police station, parks and woodland areas. Staff teach children how to manage risks when faced with new challenges. For example, during nature walks, children were encouraged to risk assess the height of trees before climbing them. This promotes their self-confidence and awareness of personal safety. n Parents have close and trusting relationships with the staff. There is effective two-way communication to ensure continuity in children's development at home and in the club. For example, staff give parents daily feedback about their child's

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need to do better?

time at the club, and information from their school. Parents appreciate the flexible care and additional support staff provide when families experience challenges in their lives. n The provider is totally committed to providing good-quality care, which is a vision she shares with her staff. The provider values her staff, and encourages their professional development, ensuring that they continuously develop their skills. The provider has regular meetings with staff to reflect on how they can improve in their role, and any other support that they may need. All these opportunities help staff to feel valued and work together as a team. There is a good team spirit and staff are well supported.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The provider and staff have a good understanding of child protection procedures. They are aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know the local referral procedures to follow if they are concerned about a child's welfare and how to deal with allegations. There are robust recruitment procedures to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. Staff are deployed effectively and monitor children's whereabouts closely, as they move from one area to another. Staff complete risk assessments to ensure the premises are safe. The premises are secure, and children cannot leave unsupervised, and unwanted visitors cannot gain access.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY549401 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10133750 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Out-of-school day care Age range of children 4 to 11 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 41 Name of registered person Saplings Afterschool Club Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 07393858245 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Saplings Afterschool Club Limited is an out-of-school club, which was registered in 2017. It is located in Catford, in Lewisham, South East London. It opens Monday to Friday, before and after school, during term time only. There are currently 10 members of staff, seven of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications from level 2 to level 3. The holiday club operates from 8am to 6pm during school holidays.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector and the manager undertook a tour across areas used by children in the club to understand how the environment and activities are organised. n The inspector spoke to the provider, manager, staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector observed the quality of interactions during activities and assessed the impact on children's enjoyment and engagement. n The inspector reviewed policies and procedures, and sampled a range of other documentation. n The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day of the inspection.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

10 January 2020 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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